ein in the body. The superior venae cavae returns blood from the upper part of the body, while the inferior venae cavae returns blood from the lower part. The oxygenated blood travels to the heart from the lungs through four pulmonary veins. There are two for each lung. During this process, the blood is distributed to the rest of the body. The body’s largest artery, the aorta, is then put to work, separating the blood to go to all branches of the body. The heart muscle is so active, that it uses about half its own weight in blood every minute when the body is resting and up to twice its weight in blood during exercise. Therefore, it is safe to say that the heart requires a lot of fuel to function. The heart also consists of two coronary arteries in which blood enters the heart’s network of blood vessels, and leaves by means of the cardiac veins. The heart pumps nearly 2000 gallons of blood each day and about 680,000 gallons each year. The contracting and pumping phase of the heart is called the systole, and the relaxing and filling phase is called the diastole. This is the way of measuring the blood pressure. Now that it is clear how the heart functions, it is easier to understand the diseases. According to the American Medical Association, the incidence of heart disease over the last twenty-five years has been reduced (Clayman 120). Despite this fact, about half of all Americans will have a health problem regarding their heart or circulation. There are many cardiovascular diseases. All of which are not to be taken lightly. The usual symptoms of heart or circulatory disease is dizziness, fainting, breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations, which is thumping in your chest or neck that makes you aware of your own heartbeat, swollen ankles, and cramps in your chest region. If any of these signs occur, a physical from your doctor is usually the first step that should be taken, according to the American Medical A...
